South-South Senators Express Support for Tax Reform Bills

South-South senators rally behind the proposed tax reform bills, highlighting their importance for economic growth and regional development. Learn more about their stance.

Senators representing Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone have voiced their support for the Tax Reform Bills introduced to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

The lawmakers, represented by the South-South Senators’ Forum, emphasized the significance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and promoting economic stability.

The bills include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.584; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 – SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.

On Thursday, the Senate approved the second reading of four tax reform bills and subsequently forwarded them to the Senate Committee on Finance. This committee, led by Niger East Senator Sani Musa, will conduct further legislative review including a public hearing.

In a statement released in Abuja, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), the Chairman of the Forum, emphasized that the lawmakers are dedicated to thoroughly assessing the bills to ensure they serve national interests and particularly benefit the South-South region.

They also urged South-South governors to collaborate with lawmakers in order to refine the bills for mutual benefit.

Related: Tax Bills Remain Unwithdrawn, Senate Stands Firm – Akpabio

Senators from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States expressed their confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio through a vote. They commended his leadership for enhancing the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities.

The Forum called on stakeholders to refrain from incorporating regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments into the national dialogue. Instead, they advocated for strong interactions and consultations throughout the legislative process.

READ ALSO: Senate Forms Committee to Review Tax Reform Bills with AGF

The statement was signed by 15 additional Senators, including:

Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) – serving as the Secretary of the Forum

Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South East under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North for the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South under the Labour Party (LP)

Senator Munir Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo representing Delta South under the APC banner.

Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom South under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South for the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Senator Allwell Onyeso, representing Rivers East from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Senator Ipalibo Banigo of the People’s Democratic Party, representing Rivers West

Senator Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Senator Konbowei Benson, representing Bayelsa Central for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC)

The Senators reiterated their dedication to promoting a legislative plan that guarantees peace, prosperity, and progress for the nation while addressing the distinct needs of the South-South region.